MATHEWS, Cyrus W., who is the owner of a
very fine farm in the vicinity of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Ill., of which
city he is a prominent resident, was born on his father's farm seven miles east
and one mile north of Jacksonville, on September 1, 1834. In boyhood he attended
the district school of his neighborhood, and was subsequently a student in
Illinois College. He remained on the home farm until September 16, 1862, when he
enlisted in Company G, First Regiment Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, being attached
to Gen. Fremont's command. Later he served under Gen. Hunter and Gen. Curtis.
The regiment was dispatched by boat to intercept Gen. Price at Jefferson City
and Mr. Mathews participated in the battles of Springfield, Sugar Creek and Pea
Ridge. In August, 1863, his regiment was engaged in the battle of Cold Harbor,
where Mr. Mathews had a horse shot under him, and his right knee was injured. He
was then promoted to be Orderly Sergeant, and on many occasions was in command
of his company. He was mustered out of the service at St. Louis in August, 1864.
After the war, he returned home and had charge of the farm until February, 1866.
His present place consists of 200 acres, on which he is engaged in general
farming and stock-raising; and he also owns an interest in the paternal
homestead.

On February 7, 1866, Mr. Mathews was united in marriage with Mary J.
Welbourn, a native of Morgan County. Two children resulted from this union,
namely: Alice F., who was a student in the Presbyterian Academy; and Edgar, who
lives on the home farm. Soon after his marriage Mr. Mathews moved to his farm,
which he cultivated until 1875.

In politics, Mr. Mathews is an earnest and influential Republican, and in
1875 was a candidate for the office of County Commissioner, and in 1876 for that
of Sheriff. He was appointed Postmaster of Jacksonville by President Harrison,
and served four years and two months. For ten years he held the office of
Township Treasurer; had been Chairman of his precinct, and, upon several
occasions, Chairman of the Republican County Committee, serving in the latter
capacity during the Yates gubernatorial campaign. Fraternally, he is affiliated
with the A. F. & A. M. and the G. A. R., of Jacksonville. Mr. Mathews has
been a very successful farmer, and is now one of the most prominent citizens of
the community in which he lives.